HHD and boy do I have a super fun card for you today! I said that today I would be showing you how you can take scraps of Designer Series Paper and make an AMAZING CARD from truly MINIMAL product!
I know that many of you will “get it”...you know…the feeling inside when you create something and at the end of your “playtime with paper”….you are smiling a bit bigger and feeling pretty darn good? Well, that is how I felt at the end of making todays card!
It probably was at least 3 years ago I made a similar card using this layout but I could not find it when searching back through my posts. I am sure it was eons before I had switched over to Word Press…but I was just tickled that I found the video that inspired me with this great technique in using up those scraps!
I am not sure if you are familiar with Gina K Designs. Gina K has been around for years in both the card-making and scrapbooking industry and she is also the host of Stamp TV. Gina has, just like Stampin’ Up! the amazing ability to have super inks and papers that always match…and I find her videos very helpful when trying to learn a new technique.
If you click here, you will see the video that Gina did for todays inspiration. Now….let me condense it for you and share a tip that will make you squeal so loud….that Daisy would think she has competition!
I am working with the 2 stamp sets below….Country Lane and Rooted in Nature! Both of them are just wonderful and I love the fact that you can get so much more mileage from them as the fonts are just about the same…. working super between them. On Friday, I hope that you will pop back to see another inspiration that I have for you with these 2 stamp sets!
Just like I did last week…I am inspiring you to use up those scraps that I know WE ALL HAVE! This example uses 1/2″ strips of paper from the Country Lane DSP Collection. You can easily mix and match from all of your stash but this just seemed to come together – a peanut butter and jelly combo! (I love that when this happens)…
I love the fact that our DSP have a bold and POP side and usually one that is more fitting to a season…and then the flip side – usually a smaller and more subtle print that you can use all year long. Stampin’ Up! truly does their paper amazingly.
Let’s get to the tips for this super cute card. I think that you will agree with me…this card just as it is could be suitable for many themes…from birthday…to thinking of you….to Thanksgiving etc…. For today’s card, I did use the Stampin’ Blends for the simple coloring of this card. I have listed at the end of the post the colors that I used and I did not do anything fancy whatsoever. The blends just glide over the paper making it effortless to color.
I truly wish that Stampin’ Up! would have a CLICK OF A BUTTON that groups all of the collection that they have thus far for newbies to do that thing we love to do….HIT IT and just get them all! I think that the reason they do not have that as an option is that they are adding more colors….just like they did for the Holiday Catalog.
You can CLICK HERE to see the offering that we have thus far…..when first getting a new color, I would suggest that you get the combo….do not get hung up on the word light and dar….just think of them as 2 different colors as that is exactly what they are…I say get comfortable with them and then you can learn more….
I was planning on using one of the yellow patterns from that DSP collection but then when I saw that I could use (3) different papers with the same color scheme….(Blackberry Bliss)….I thought – PERFECT…..the back drip will have a monochromatic feel and then the images will even POP more….and you know what it WORKED!
I have a BUNCH of pictures for you today and please feel free to ask a question in the comments if you need clarity. It truly is SUPER EASY and FUN….there is no right or wrong way to place your papers….but I would recommend your 1st strip be in the upper right corner and then work from there. If you watch the video…you will see a great visual demo!
The one thing that I was super happy that I thought of was to cover the base with a piece of Multipurpose Sheet and then it would be EASY to place the strips of paper…..yep it was….but one thing that I did not think of….the adhesive would be sticky in between the strips!
I admit, I frowned as I thought that this was a PERFECT solution to using a glue or a snail tape runner etc….and before I started from scratch again….I thought …..
Take the EMBOSSING BUDDY and rub it over….and IT WORKED!!!!
In the below picture you will see how the beautiful backdrop came together and then you can see the other components that brought this together! I invite you to look at this…..break it down and then you can see that this is not only fun and a bit different….it is a very clean card with super fun lines!
One of my favorite new colors/neutrals in the Stampin’ Up! line is Gray Granite…it works wonderfully with so many different color combos…from the brights to the deeper tones. I matted each of the below elements with it and I think you will agree….it makes a difference.
If you already follow my blog than you already know….I truly believe in the basics! This little hobby that we do is wonderful…it is so special in so many ways and it also is a hobby that creates a WIN-WIN for both YOU (the person making the card) and then they recipient (the feeling they get when they see the time and love you put into it)
With that said….use the basics…buy the tools and products that will help you complete the projects that you like to make. I think it is fair to say….we all have a bunch of stamps and trust me, I am SOOOOOO guilty as well – I have many stamps that have never been inked up but the one thing I can say is… I do have are the basics….
When you see the below picture you can see some of them that I am talking about….the glue dots…the linen thread….the Blends…the multi-purpose adhesive sheets – you see, when they are assessable to you….things just go easier!
Can you see how “well behaved” the linen thread is? Yep, a trick that I have shared many times with you….I use bees-wax from the fabric store (it is pictured in the above photo) I buy that at JoAnn Fabric but you can get it just about any where! Again, another exable of having the right basics will back your final project shine!
Let’s get to one of my favorites…the envelope! I decided to attempt to do a similar pattern for the back flap. It was super easy and I was thrilled with the end result…what do you think? I am super excited to do one with fun and festive Christmas Colors….won’t that be fun!?!?
If you have questions about the adhesive release sheets…..PLEASE ASK…..please do not feel that there could possibly be a silly question. Trust me, I am the queen on asking silly questions….just ask my kids! Leave a comment and I will do my best to answer it but I am also sure that there will be many others that will chime in. I just love the community of you guys that follow my blog!
There you go….are you thinking that this might be too hard for you to do? If so…..I say NO WAY…..just try it – you will be SHOCKED with how little of DSP that you will use….so try it….you will like it!
If you do not have the adhesive sheets that I used…that’s ok – just use whatever adhesive that you have but I will say that using these makes it SOOOO easy…..and the dusting of the “powder bag” – PERFECT – all of the STICK GOES AWAY but the bright white is still there!
I will see you on Friday with more inspiration using these 2 great stamp sets…..just trying to be practical for you….have a great evening!!!
Oh, Susan, I love this card and envelope in Blackberry Bliss. So pretty. The recipient will be thrilled. Making the patchwork card base and envelope looks so complicated, but you make it look easy with the tip of using the Adhesive Sheets with the Embossing Buddy. I’m always looking for ways to use my stash of DSP. Thanks for your inspiration. Enjoy your Thursday.
It IS SO EASY. I always show John my cards that I make for his feedback – when I showed him this one…he could not believe that it was strips of paper…then he said – I bet that took forever to make!
When I told him how easy it was and then the deal with the adhesive sheets….he was amazed – PLEASE try it!
OMG this is stunning!!! I love it. Ironically I stumbled upon a video that Dawn Griffith made using the same paper strips and image but she did hers side by side straight up and down with the teeny margin. I liked hers a lot but this SO MUCH BETTER and more fun!!! I will watch the Gina K. video later as she usually does a good job. Your card is really cool and I love it. Eventually I will CASE it as I want to get the set next week. Thanks f o r brightening my evening.
YIPPEE….so happy that you like it! I know that I keep saying how easy it is…and YES it truly is as the best thing is there is no measuring….just eye ball the space between each strip and when you use the adhesive sheets……BINGO….remember, they do not STICK TIGHT until you give them a good rub…..so if you have to pick it up and move it, you can!
Beautiful! I LOVE the background you created as it really does make your main panel pop! The few details colored with the Blackberry Bliss just really makes it come together. Love your card!
Thank you….I truly was going to go with different shades using other papers in the DSP but when I saw that there were 3 in the same color scheme – I thought the monochromatic feel would be a classic!
Hi Susan. Loooved the card. I’ve seen the same technique using washi tape. I tried it last Christmas. The Washi tape is curly so it was hard to work with. This method will be easier.
If you don’t want to get adhesive on the embossing buddy, a little corn starch or baby powder in a salt shaker also work very well. You just have to shake out tiny amounts or else you’ll have a toned down card.
Great Tip and YES….I did the same before with the washi and it was fun but I admit, I had a tangled mess as the washi rolled on me!
SUPER TIP with the corn starch/baby powder but this DOES NOT effect your Embossing Buddy whatsoever….because there is not “goo” to the adhesive sheets…..a simple rub back and forth works like a dream….
Here is a funny for you – If you look up at the picture that had the embossing buddy in it….look at the clip – that is how I keep my embossing buddy as I cannot stand the feel of it on my fingers….I just hold the clip to use it – (I guess it’s like nails on a chalk board)
Many thanks for sharing your super tip – we all have things in our homes that will work….I use and love the swifter dusting cloths too in my craft area – they are SUPER for picking up stray embossing powder!
Oh, Good Morning Susan!!! I took a quick peek last night but was too tired to read and comment. This card is beautiful. I adore this technique. I love putting them together. I have a few of these backgrounds just waiting to be used. I love your matting on the sentiments. It does make them pop.
Have a blessed day.
🙂
Love this card! Both stamps sets are my favs and your background and envie are perfect.
Thanks for the tip with the embossing buddy.
Love this card. Have tried a similar card without the monochromatic colors and felt it was far too busy. Your “Blackberry Bliss” background is perfect. The blackberry card stock has always been a favorite of mine. You have definitely inspired me to give it another try.
This is really jaw dropping pretty ! I am not a Blackberry Bliss lover because it is so intense in color but, this has changed my opinion ! I watched Gina`s video (use to watch her a few years ago )and I liked her suggestion of making up some of these in colors you like and keep them in your stash for a quick card . This looks like a fun project.
I think I have decided where to store my paper and card stock strips to keep them straight . A turned inside out PAPER PUMPKIN box !! Yay !!
I will definitely bookmark this blog post. You have included so many interesting and detailed tips! As a beekeeper I have plenty of beeswax so I will use some on my linen thread. I like your multiple stranded bow – it really stands out. I will pull out my scraps of DSP this morning and start working on the quilted design. And using the embossing buddy to remove stickiness is an excellent idea. Thanks for taking the time to explain how you created this card.
Hi Susan, I think this one is just a favorite !! I’ve been “going to try” the striping….now is the time !! I , too, love the Blackberry Bliss……just wondered if I could do a Christmas one with those colors ! Oh the possibilities are endless !! Many thanks for the push to try this !!